Requesting Reimbursement for MOWINS Travel or Lodging--either option is available.
After your agency has completed their MOWINS training, they may request reimbursement for their MOWINS mileage or lodging up to the allowable amount. The allowable amount is based on the mileage from your agency to the training site times $.475 per mile. This amount may be used for either mileage reimbursement or towards lodging costs. Other expenses associated with the training such as meals may be billed to your regular WIC contract on the WIC 24.

In order to request mileage reimbursement, please complete the attached form labeled Mileage. To request reimbursement for lodging, please complete both the Mileage and the Lodging form attachments. Completing the Mileage form will allow you to calculate the maximum amount of reimbursement that can be applied toward lodging expenses. The first page of each document is the form and the second page is the instructions for completing the form. Travel mileage or lodging at the travel mileage reimbursement rate for Local Agency Staff attending the MOWINS training are the only items appropriate to bill using this letter template.

Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Training: Due to new peer counselors being hired in the St. Louis area, another BFPC training has been scheduled in St. Louis on February 9th and 10th. Please see the attached registration form. This training is open to any staff that would like to attend, but is mandatory for new peer counselors. Please feel free to forward information for this training to anyone you think might be interested. Priority will be given to peer counselors and WIC staff. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Mertzlufft at Kathy.Mertzlufft@health.mo.gov or by phone at 573-526-4792.

Mead Johnson Nutritionals: The State WIC office received correspondence from Mead Johnson Nutritionals (MJN) regarding the safety of their formula products. Please see the attached letter from MJN regarding melamine and cyanuric acid. Contact your District Nutritionist if you have questions.

Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life Kits: The Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life kits have arrived. Please use the kit to educate participants on the importance of physical activity and eating fruits and vegetables. The kit can also be used to begin introducing the new WIC food package that begins October 1, 2009. One of the changes to the food package will be offering fresh and canned fruits and vegetables. Each WIC family should receive one of the Sesame Street Healthy Habits for Life kits. Contact your District Nutritionist if you have questions.

You will be notified through the WIC UPDATE when these items will be available at the DHSS warehouse. In the meantime, please feel free to make copies as needed. If you have any suggestions and/or questions, please contact Takako Tagami at Takako.Tagami@health.mo.gov.